Travel·17 April 2026·5 min read
Travelling With Pets in India: Rail, Air, Road
What it actually takes to take your pet on a journey across India.
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By road (easiest)
- Carrier or seat-belt harness - never loose in car
- Stop every 2-3 hours for water/walk
- Never leave in parked car
- Pre-trip vet visit if long distance
By rail
- AC1 only allows pets in 4-berth coupe (book whole coupe)
- Brake van for SL/AC2/AC3 - pet in carrier, with attendant
- Documents: vaccination certificate, fitness certificate from vet
- Book at parcel office at originating station
By air (domestic)
- Most Indian carriers allow pets in cabin (small only) or cargo
- Air-conditioned cargo only
- IATA-compliant carrier mandatory
- Health certificate within 10 days of travel
- Sedation NOT recommended
By air (international)
Vastly more complex. Country-specific entry rules, microchip requirements, rabies titre tests, quarantine periods. Plan 4-6 months ahead.
At SenVetCare
We issue fitness certificates and walk you through the paperwork.
Frequently asked
Generally avoided in air. Modern anti-anxiety meds often used for road.
Same rules as dogs - carrier, AC1 coupe or brake van.
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